Electromagnetic valve



Jan. 7, 1969 Q, EGNER 3,420,494

ELECTROMAGNETIC VALVE Filed May 13, 1965 Sheet of 2 Fig. 1

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ELECTROMAGNETI C VALVE Filed May 13, 1965 Sheet 2 of 2 I/We/vTa/r:

0&0 5/1 65 United States Patent 3,420,494 ELECTROMAGNETIC VALVE OttoEgner, Criesbach, Germany, assignor to Nostorog AG, Zug, Switzerland, acorporation of Switzerland Filed May 13, 1965, Ser. No. 455,490 US. Cl.251-130 8 Claims Int. Cl. F16]: 11/02; 31/06 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREAn electromagnetic valve capable of operating with alternating currentand constructed as a compact unit. The electromagnetic valve comprises ahousing member including an armature having a projecting portion. Amagnetic coil surrounds the armature and eifects movement thereof. Avalve unit is provided including a valve housing connected with thehousing member. A diaphragm is dis posed at the region of the interfacebetween the housing member and the valve housing, the diaphragmincluding an integral extended sleeve portion located within the valvehousing and providing a pocket-like compartment into which theprojecting portion of the armature extends. At least one valve seat isarranged in the valve housing, the valve seat being capable of beingclosed directly by the integral extended sleeve portion of the diaphragmas moved by the projecting portion of the armature.

The present invention relates to the provision of an improvedelectromagnetic valve manifested by the features that it possessesparticularly good efficiency, a relatively compact construction and along length of life.

The inventive valve possesses an electromagnetic system constructed forcomplete use with alternating current.

Furthermore, this system is constructed from laminated iron and in theenergized condition is completely closed. The magnetic resistances areexceptionally small so that only small losses appear.

Up to the present electromagnetic valves have become known which operateaccording to two different principles. The classical valve operates inaccordance with the socalled solenoid principle in which thework-performing armature is moved within a coil. In order to improve themagnetic eflect there has been provided during the course of time ironfeed back means externally of the coil, with the purpose of improvingthe efliciency and reducing the magnetic resistance. The workingcompartment of the armature with the prescribed construction issubjected to the pressure of a liquid, gas or vapor appearing in arelevant pipe system.

Additionally, electromagnetic valves have become known in which theWork-performing magnet is arranged externally of the valve proper. Inthis case, execution of the necessary stroke movement occurs through theagency of packing boxes, bellows or via other sealing means.

With the first-mentioned physical construction the electromagneticefficiency is exceptionally poor because the magnetic circuit isassociated with large resistances. This is attributable to the fact thatthe pressure of the medium, oftentimes very high, requires strong wallthicknesses for the sleeve of the armature in which the latter isdisplaceable. This sleeve, however, builds an air gap in the mag neticcircuit. Also, by virtue of the sleeve there is formed a short-circuitwinding within the coil which screens the magnetic field and whichnaturally increases coil current. Furthermore, as a general rulenon-corroding materials are desired internally of the hydraulic orpneumatic system which are considerably poorer in their magneticproperties than the iron alloys advantageously employed for alternatingcurrent. As a general rule, silicon alloyed iron types come underconsideration for alternating cur- 3,420,494 Patented Jan. 7, 1969 rentmagnets which, however, are unfortunately not corrosion resistant. Thus,electromagnetic valves produced according to this construction representa more or less good compromise.

On the other hand, valves designed according to the second-mentionedconstruction have not proven themselves to be operationally reliable forthe reason that the through-passages of the packing box generally'onlyfunction reliably for a limited time. With packing boxes diflicultiesoftentimes arise, particularly in the presence of higher pressures,contaminated atmospheres or impure medium. Likewise, bellows or othersealing constructions only have limited longevity. In addition thereto,all of these physical constructions require additional forces which mustbe overcome by the magnetic system.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to providean improved electromagnetic valve which overcomes theheretofore-mentioned disadvantages.

A further important object of the present invention relates to theprovision of an improved electromagnetic valve which is relativelycompact and simpled in construction, economical to manufacture, has along service life, and operates with relatively great efficiency.

In order to attain these and still further objects, the electromagneticvalve constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention is manifested by the features that, the actual force or powerefliciency system is dimensioned in accordance with optimumelectromagnetic considerations. It is manufactured in consideration ofalternating current and the force-displacement curve is accommodated torequired valve characteristics. The magnetic system is constructed toprovide a compact body or unit and threaded against a valve member. Inso doing, a diaphragm or membrane-like throughpassage element is pressedagainst the electromagnetic body, with their resulting a hinged-typeoscillating throughpassage requiring little grinding and milling work.According to a further aspect of the present invention, the membranebody exhibits a reinforced or strengthen portion at which engages anextension of the armature and thus acts upon the valve seat.

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent .by reference to the following detailed description anddrawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a preferred form ofelectromagnetic valve; and

FIGURE 2 is a bottom view of the electromagnetic body.

Describing now the drawings, the magnetic system constructed accordingto the so-called flap or clap armature principle comprises asubstantially U-shaped laminated magnet yoke 1 oppositely situated withrespect to the likewise laminated armature 2. This armature 2 supports ashort-circuit ring 3 which, in known manner, has the function ofgenerating a phase displaced flux in a portion of the air gap 4, inorder that the system during operation with alternating-current voltagedoes not hum. The flap armature 2 is encirculed by a coil body 5carrying the winding or coil means 6. The contact terminals 7 are connected to the coil body 5 to permit infeed of current. The ends of thewinding 6 are connected to the contact terminals 7 in known manner andfor such reason not further illustrated. A further contact 8 serving asground connection is electrically conductively connected with the yoke1.

The flap armature 2 is elongated towards its lower end to provide anextension or projection 9 which actuates the actual valve. A diaphgragmor membrane body 10 serves to seal the electromagnetic system againstthe medium. It is manufactured, depending upon the material to becontrolled, from natural rubber, a Buna variety rubber, neoprene,polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafiuoride ethylene or other elastomers.Where as the membrane or diaphragm body member carries at its outercircumferences an O-ring type bead 11, the lower portion 12 isstrengthened or reinforced in such a manner that at the same time thereresults an elastic sealing member for the screws 13 and 14- providingvalve seats. In order to brace against the pressure of the medium asupport mounting or fitting 15 is provided at the upper central regionof the membrane body 10, this support mounting 15 can be pro vided atits upper edge with an encircling bead 15a. A cover plate 16 provided atits central region with an appropriate recess 16:: supports the membranebody 10 towards the top against the pressure of the medium.

The actual valve body, which in the illustrated embodiment represents athree-way valve, is generally designated by reference numeral 17. Whilethe medium, compressed air for instance, is connected to an inletthreading 18, the discharge means 19 provided with threading serves forremoving the used compressed air. A consumer is connected at 20 in knownmanner. The valve seats 13 and 14 are sealed by the O-rings 21 and atthe same time are adustably positionable along their axis by suitablethreading provided at the valve body 17 Finally, the magnetic structurehas pouerd or pressed therearound a plastic, preferably epoxy resin,such that a bearing or contact location results for an upper extension22 of the flap armature 2. During this pouring operation metal tubes orpipes 23 (FIGURE 2) are imbedded. By virtue of these metal tubes 23 andWith the aid of non illustrated screws the compact pouredelectromagnetic housing or body 24 and the valve housing or body 17 arerigidly connected with one another. During the pouring operation therecan be simultaneously imbedded a hollow sleeve or bushing 25 containinga screw 26. A lubricating or damping oil or paste mass can be introducedthrough the opening of the bushing 25 which either insures for noiselessoperation or long service life, or both characteristics.

In FIGURE 2 there are visible the springs 27 which are partially seatedwithin lengthwise displaceable slides or pistons 28. These slides 28engage with grooves 29 at the short-circuit ring 3. The springs 27 andslides 28 en sure for the necessary pressure in the terminal position ofthe valve depending upon use. Instead of the spiral springs 27 thenecessary force can also be generated by means of a leaf or blade springsecured in the body 24 and extending along the armature 2. Thelengthwise movable slides 28 have the important function of providing anadvantageous damping which is to be brought about in a small space. Forthis purpose, they slide with small lateral play in the body 24 and arelikewise relatively narrowly limited with respect to height by the coverplate 16. Due to the filling of damping materials of different viscosityit is possible to considerably adjust operating characteristics withregard to time and noise of the mag netic system. It is furthermorepossible by appropriate dimensioning of the slides and/or by channels oralso by small valves to differently dampen attraction and fallingoff.Finally, it is here mentioned that the valve seats 13 and 14 are definedby nozzle-like bodies provided with threading at 13a and 14arespectively, to permit adjustment axially within the valve unit and inthe direction of movement of the armature 2, the protecting portion 9 ofwhich extends into the pocket-like compartment 12a of the diaphragm 10.

For the contingency that the current is not available there is providedan advantageous emergency hand-actuation. This comprises a transverselythroughpassing shaft 30 entraining a cam 31. For the actuation itselfthere is provided a lever 32 which is pressed, under the action of thetorsion spring 33, against a stop 34.

The manne" of operation of the illustrated electromagnetic valve shouldbe apparent from the drawings and accompanying description. Uponexcitation of the magnetic winding or coil 6 the flap armature 2 ispulled against the yoke 1. Due to the extension 9 of the flap armature 2the encircling lower portion 12 is raised from the valve seat 14 andpressed against the valve seat 13. As a result, there occurs in knownmanner the switching operation. The medium upwardly presses thediaphragm or membrane body 10, whereby the pressure of the medium isabsorbed by the support mounting 15.

In the event the current supply is not available, then, by rocking thelever 32 the shaft 30 can be rotated against the force of the spring 33such that the cam 31 moves the flap armature 2 towards the yoke 1. Thedimensions and inclination of the cam 31 are so constructed that in sodoing there still remains a minimum air gap between flap armature 2 andyoke 1. Furthermore, spring 33 is dimensioned such that the cam 31 dueto frictional engagement with the flap armature 2 remains in theposition displaced by hand. As soon as the current is again available,then, the armature 2 completely attracts whereby cam 31 is released. Theactuating mechanism incorporating the shaft 30, cam 31 and lever 32flies back against the stop 34 under the action of the spring 33 intothe starting position.

While there is shown and described a present preferred embodiment of theinvention it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is notlimited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and pracisedwithin the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An electromagnetic valve comprising means providing a magnetic systemcapable of operating with alternating current and constructed as acompact unit, said means including a housing member of plastic materialenclosing said magnetic system, an armature arranged at approximatelythe location of the longitudinal axis of said magnetic system, saidarmature having a projecting portion, and coil means surrounding saidarmature; a valve unit providing a throughpassage means and including avalve housing and valve seat means, said valve housing being directlyconnected with said housing member of said magnetic system;diaphragm-like means arranged in said valve housing such as to be urgedby the pressure prevailing in said valve housing towards said housingmember of said magnetic system and to provide an integral hinge-typeoscillating valve member for said throughpassage means, saiddiaphragm-like means comprising an elastic diaphragm member providedwith an integral sleeve portion cooperating in sealing relation withsaid valve seat means, said elastic diaphragm being positioned betweensaid housing member of said magnetic system and said valve housing toseal said magnetic system from said valve unit, said projecting portionof said armature protruding into operable contact with said integralsleeve portion of said elastic diaphragm member to urge said integralsleeve portion to coact directly with said valve seat means, and whereinsaid housing member of said magnetic system includes means for enablingintroduction of a dampening medium internally of said housing member,slide means cooperating with said ar-mature for determining theoperating behavior of said magnetic system in dependence upon theviscosity of a dampening medium, and spring means for loading said slidemeans to urge said armature into its starting position.

2. An electromagnetic valve as defined in claim 1 further including ahand-operated mechanism for directly, manually actuating said armature.

3. An electromagnetic valve as defined in claim 2 wherein saidhand-oeprated mechanism incorporates a shaft extending transversely withrespect to said magnetic system and a cam member carried by said shaftfor acting upon said armature.

4. An electromagnetic valve as defined in claim 3, further including ayoke cooperating with said armature, said hand-operated mechanismfurther includes a return spring member cooperating with said shaft,said return spring member possessing a strength such that the cam memberdoes not return into its starting position due to the return forceexerted on said armature by said spring means of said slide means whenthe armature is not completely attracted to the yoke, yet when saidarmature is attracted to said yoke said cam member is released to suchan extent that said hand-operated mechanism returns into its startingposition.

5. An electromagnetic valve as defined in claim 4 wherein said valveseat means is defined by at least one rotatable nozzle-like body whichcan be adjustably positioned within said valve unit in the direction ofmovement of said armature.

6. An electromagnetic valve construction comprising a housing member, anarmature provided with a projecting portion, said armature beinghingedly supported for movement within said housing member, a coilsurrounding said armature disposed within said housing member, a valveunit including a valve housing connected with said housing member, adiaphragm member disposed at the region of the interface between saidhousing member and said valve housing, said diaphragm member includingan integral extended sleeve portion located within said valve housingand providing a pocketlike compartment into which extends saidprojecting portion of said armature, at least one valve seat arranged insaid valve housing capable of being closed directly by said integralextended sleeve portion of said diaphragm member, said electromagneticvalve construction further including means for manually actuating saidarmature.

7. An electromagnetic valve construction comprising:

electromagnetic actuating means including an armature hingedly mountedfor movement, said armature having a projecting portion;

a valve unit comprising at least one valve seat; and

a single, one-piece elastic diaphragm member disposed between said valveunit and said electromagnetic actuating means to elTect a seal betweensaid valve unit and said electromagnetic actuating means, said single,one-piece elastic diaphragm member incorporating a sleeve portion at thecentral region thereof, said sleeve portion defining a pocket whichextends into said valve unit in proximity to said at least one valveseat, said projecting portion of said armature extending into saidpocket, said sleeve portion of said one-piece elastic diaphragm memberdirectly effecting a selective seal of said at least one valve seat uponmovement of said armature.

8. An electromagnetic valve construction as defined in claim 7, furtherincluding a support fitting provided at the central region of saidelastic diaphragm member partially extending into said pocket.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,834,572 5/1958 Stelzer 251-303X 3,289,697 12/ 1966 Kozel et a1. 137-606 2,232,970 2/1941 Ray 137-625622,354,704 8/1944 Ray 251- 2,635,638 4/1953 Persons 251-130 2,712,4297/1955 Ray 251-130 2,874,929 2/ 1959 Klingler 251-129 2,924,241 2/1960Bauer 137-62562 2,925,988 2/1960 Ray 251-130 3,098,635 7/1963 Delaporteet a1. 251-129 3,102,712 9/1963 Zilk 251-138 FOREIGN PATENTS 19,479 9/1899 Great Britain. 650,492 10/1962 Canada. 652,468 11/1962 Canada.922,057 3/ 1963 Great Britain. 923,839 4/1963 Great Britain.

M. CARY NELSON, Primary Examiner. ROBERT C. MILLER, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.

